Andréas Hountondji is making a compelling case for a long-term future at Standard Liège, breathing new life into his career after a quiet spell at Burnley.
The 22-year-old Beninese international has impressed in Belgium since his arrival on loan, quickly becoming one of the standout performers in the club’s recent fixtures.
The striker, who joined the Jupiler Pro League side at the beginning of the season, has already racked up 13 appearances, scoring three goals and providing one assist.
For a player seeking to re-establish himself after limited opportunities in England, the impact has been both timely and significant.
Hountondji’s resurgence follows a frustrating stint at Burnley, where he featured in just 10 matches without finding the back of the net.
However, his move to Standard Liège has provided the platform he needed to showcase his talent, and the early signs are promising.
He made his league mark on Matchday 25 with a well-taken goal against KVC Westerlo. That was followed by an impressive showing on the opening day of the playoff round, where he notched both a goal and an assist against KV Mechelen.
His latest contribution came in the UEFA Conference League, where he scored the equaliser against FCV Dender to secure a valuable 1-1 draw for his side.
These performances suggest a player regaining rhythm and confidence, reminiscent of his productive loan spell last season at Rodez in France’s Ligue 2.
There, Hountondji featured in 39 matches and was directly involved in 21 goal contributions — a season that hinted at his potential but had yet to find consistency at a higher level.
Born in Montry, France, and trained at Stade Malherbe de Caen, Hountondji possesses a rare blend of physical power and raw pace.
Standing at 1.90 metres (6 feet 3 inches), he brings a dominant aerial presence, yet it is his speed that has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.
Clocked at 35.56 km/h during a match against KV Kortrijk, he ranks among the fastest players in the Belgian top flight — a feat that has earned him the nickname “The Cheetah.”
His resurgence at club level is beginning to mirror the early promise he showed on the international stage. With 14 caps and three goals for Benin, Hountondji is gradually evolving into a reliable option for the national team.
His growing influence at Standard Liège suggests that he may soon become indispensable for both club and country.
As the loan agreement runs until the end of the 2024–2025 season, questions are beginning to surface regarding Standard’s interest in making the deal permanent.
The club may soon be tempted to activate a purchase option, should his current trajectory continue.
For now, Hountondji remains focused on delivering performances that matter.
After a muted chapter in England, he is proving in Belgium that his potential is far from exhausted — and that his career, once cast in the shadows, is now back in the spotlight.
